Activity kit, particularly for children and young adults

ABSTRACT

A pad of paper (or book) is interconnected with a box of writing implements (or other materials) in a manner allowing the pad or book and other items to be folded over in overlying registration for a more compact configuration. In addition to writing implements, the other materials may include rubber stamps, ink pads, playing cards or flash cards, stickers, temporary tattoos, and so forth. The dimensions of the paper and box of materials are preferably the same, though the dimensions may themselves be dictated by the size and number of implements, or other considerations.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/432,550, filed Dec. 11, 2002, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to notepads, and the like, and, in particular, to activity kits particularly suited to children and young adults.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Although many activity kits exist for children, some including markers and others including crayons, and so forth, the need always remains for new versions with unique and desirable features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Broadly, this invention interconnects a pad of paper (or book) with a box of writing implements (or other materials) in a manner allowing the pad or book and other items to be folded over in overlying registration for a more compact configuration. In addition to writing implements, the other materials may include rubber stamps, ink pads, playing cards or flash cards, stickers, temporary tattoos, and so forth. In the preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the paper and box of materials are generally the same, though the dimensions may themselves be dictated by the size and number of implements, or other considerations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIGS. 1A-1C depict one embodiment of the invention, wherein a back panel of a pad or writing tablet is hinged along one of the back edges of a box used to hold marking implements, so that the pad and box are accessible from opposite sides when folded against each other; and

[0006]FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the back panel of a pad is hinged to one of the front edges of a box, such that the pad is “in front” of the box 203 when closed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007]FIGS. 1A-1C depict one embodiment of the invention, wherein the back panel 120 of the pad 104 is hinged along one of the back edges of the box (122), so that the pad 104 and box 102 are accessible from opposite sides when folded against each other, as shown in FIG. 1C. The box 102 is configured to carry a plurality of writing implements 103, such as differently sized or colored markers, crayons, pencils, and the like. A closure 110 is used to keep the 103 from falling out during times of storage. The pad/book and/or box of implements/materials may include a transparent or translucent window to view the contents therethrough or simply for decorative purposes.

[0008] One or both of the box 102 or pad 104 may include handles 130, 132, and if two handles are provided, they are preferably similarly shaped so that the through-holes are aligned with one another when closed. The pad 104 also preferably includes a cover 106 including a tab 108 including a fastener 109 seen in FIG. 1B, enabling the assembly to be held in the compact position for carrying. The fastener 109 may be constructed of opposing magnetic-metal parts, hook-and-loop (Velcro®) fasteners, snaps, or any other appropriate attachment mechanism.

[0009]FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the back panel 220 of the pad 204 is hinged to one of the front edges of the box 202, such that the pad 204 is “in front” of the box 203 when closed. In this case, the cover 206 of the pad 204 more conveniently has a side tab 208, but again includes a fastener 209 of any appropriate variety to hold the assembly together. Box 208 holds implements 203, with a cover 210 keeping them from falling out. This particular embodiment more appropriate only uses a single handle, and any of the embodiments may further include a clasp such as 250 for attaching the assembly to a keychain, or the like.

[0010] Although the pages of the pads 104 and 204 are shown as blank, they may contain printed matter, such as coloring books, games, puzzles, and so forth. In addition, although the marking implements may be conventional markers, colored pencils, crayons, and so forth, “color-change” type markers may alternatively be used. As a further option, the box and any embodiment may include filler material so that fewer implements can be provided. 

We claim:
 1. An activity kit, comprising: a box for holding a set of writing implements or other materials; and a pad of paper or book having a back panel hinged to the box in a manner allowing the pad and box to fold against one another in overlying registration.
 2. The activity kit of claim 1, wherein the box and pad or book are generally of the same dimensions.
 3. The activity kit of claim 1, wherein the writing implements are differently colored markers, crayons, or pencils.
 4. The activity kit of claim 1, wherein the writing implements are of the color-changing type.
 5. The activity kit of claim 1, wherein the other materials include rubber stamps, ink pads, playing cards or flash cards, stickers or temporary tattoos.
 6. The activity kit of claim 1, wherein the pad of paper or book includes a coloring book, activity book, games, or puzzles.
 7. The activity kit of claim 1, further including a fastener for holding the pad and box together when folded against one another.
 8. The activity kit of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a snap or magnetic/hook-and-loop tab.
 9. The activity kit of claim 1, further including handle on one or both of the box and back panel of the pad.
 10. The activity kit of claim 9, including handles on both the box and back panel of the pad or book, each handle having a through-hole which is aligned with the other when folded against one another in overlying registration.
 11. The activity kit of claim 1, wherein: the box has front, back and side panels defining two front edges and two back edges; and the back panel of the pad or book is hinged to one of the back edges of the box so that the box and pad are side by side when unfolded.
 12. The activity kit of claim 11, wherein the pad or book further includes a cover with a tab for holding the pad or book and box together when folded against one another.
 13. The activity kit of claim 12, wherein the tab is located on the bottom of the cover.
 14. The activity kit of claim 1, wherein: the box has front, back and side panels defining two front edges and two back edges; and the back panel of the pad or book is hinged to one of the front edges of the box.
 15. The activity kit of claim 14, wherein the pad or book includes a cover with a tab for holding the pad and box together when folded against one another.
 16. The activity kit of claim 15, wherein the tab is situated on the side of the cover. 